Cursed

--> Ch. 14<--

Chapter 14

No matter how much I wanted time to slow down, it wouldn't. In fact, it did the opposite. School went by in a blur on Tuesday. Just the same old classes that would forever bore the teenage mind. Endless speeches, infinite amounts of homework given out (which I forced myself to finish during lunch and any free time), and the countless number of ghosts I noticed. Oddly enough, though, I never once saw my Father. Did this bracelet thing really work to keep him at bay? Who cares, as long as he doesn't freak me out anymore.

I sort of forgot to text Sam all of Monday and Tuesday- which I proved to regret because I came home to over fifty missed calls- and I called him back as soon as possible. 'As soon as possible' was sadly late Tuesday night. I kind of had to tell him about Brandon, or else I would be flat-out lying to him. Our conversation over the phone went something like this...

“Reese, why haven't you answered your calls? I've been calling and texting you nonstop for the past two days! Two freaking days. Have you just been ignoring my calls? Do you not like me anymore? Are you over me? Oh gosh, Reese. If you are, you should have just told me, not worry me to death,” Sam blurted out. It was the first thing he said after picking up the phone. I was kind of speechless. I didn't know why he was freaking out. I didn't know why he thought I was over him. And I certainly didn't know why I hadn't felt my phone ring for each time he called.

“What are you talking about?” I managed to say.

He laughed humorlessly. “What do you mean 'what am I talking about'? You haven't been picking up your phone,” he said with emphasis. I could practically feel his anger through the speaker.

“Sam. I still love you. My phone must have been on silent or something because I didn't feel it ring once. I've just been busy all-of-a-sudden, that's all.”

He sighed heavily. “I'm overreacting, and I'm sorry. But with your Dad and all...I can't seem to help it.”

I smiled a little. “It's nice to know that someone cares about me, but you actually don't need to worry about it any longer.” I twisted the bracelet on my wrist. “Remember when I told you about that janitor giving me a warning?”

“Yeah...”

“Well, he came to me again. And he gave me this bracelet thing that apparently keeps him away.”

He brightened up the tiniest bit. “Really?”

“Yup, and I haven't seen him since Sunday.”

It was evident that he was smiling. There was a long pause, a silence making us contemplate. I began to think about hanging out with Sam again like is was before. Like it was only days ago. I reminisced on his kisses, his laugh, his charming words. I smiled when I thought of the time he gave me flowers and danced with me. I wondered if he was thinking about the same things.

Sam's voice interrupted my slight reverie. “So, what exactly have you been up to these past few days?”

My smiled dropped immediately as I realized I had to tell him. I had to tell him about Brandon. “Um, well. I've been painting my walls.”

He hesitated. “Why do you sound so nervous about that?”

Dang it. He knew my voice too well. “I'm not. I'm fine, really.”

“Reese, now it's obvious. You're a terrible liar. What is it? Just tell me.”

I gulped. “Okay, if you insist.” I took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't make a big deal out of this. “I made a new friend.”

He laughed heartily. “That's what you were scared to tell me about?”

My face remained blank, muscles unmoving. “And he's a boy.”